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Son lashed out at parents over drugs

A 25-year-old chronic cannabis user lashed out after being refused money for drugs by his parents, Skipton magistrates heard.

Sean Brown, of Glusburn, had used cannabis for ten years and in the last five his addiction had become a real problem, the court was told on Friday.

He had not worked for three years largely because of his addiction, but when he had been in work, he had spent up to £200 per week on cannabis. Now in receipt of benefits, he spent up to £40 every week.

On February 14 after repeatedly being refused money by his parents, he had caused £80 damage to a digital television box, chest of drawers and Playstation disc.

He had then left his parents’ house in Beanlands Place and caused a further £110 damage to his father’s car.

The court was told his father, Iain Brown, was not seeking compensation for the damage, but had gone to the police in the hope his son would receive the help he desperately needed.

Brown, who admitted two counts of criminal damage, had placed his parents in a terrible dilemma because of his addiction to the class B drug, the court was told.

In mitigation, John Mewies said since being arrested and as a condition of his bail, Brown had been living away from his parents, with his sisters or friends, which he had found very difficult.

He said Brown’s parents were supportive of their son but believed he needed help and reporting the damage to the police was the only way he would get it.

Magistrates told Brown the offence did not cross the community order boundary, but urged him to attend a drugs help group.

They ordered him to pay a total of £175, including a fine, costs and victims surcharge.